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Ep 17 - The runDisney digital expo & event guide
177 Plays29 days ago
In this episode, we're covering two runDisney topics: First, how to use the Digital Expo & Event Guide to plan your race weekend, plus an inspiring interview with our teenage daughter about her runDisney journey, recovery from knee surgery, and what she’s learned from running the most magical miles on earth. This episode is perfect for anyone training for a Disney race or running as a family.
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Transcript
Introduction and Overview
00:00:00
Speaker
In today's episode of the podcast, we're breaking down all the helpful things you'll find in Run Disney's digital event guide. Plus, we have a very, very, very special guest on the podcast.
00:00:19
Speaker
Hey everyone, welcome to episode number 17 One More Run the Podcast. If you're new here, welcome. If you're not new here, thanks for sticking around. We appreciate you listening every week.
00:00:30
Speaker
Just as a reminder, this is our opportunity to just share helpful information. If you're new to Run Disney, if you've done 30 more races than we've done either way we're just sharing helpful tips tricks insights we want you to go in encouraged confident ready to go at your next race whether that's run disney or not erica does all that sound about right to you is that the okay perfect you want to talk about what we got coming up in this episode next episode well i guess in the intro you already said what's in this episode so we can skip that what's coming up
00:01:02
Speaker
Yes. So next week we're going to talk about running when you're injured or slow or behind schedule. And today's special guest has some comments on that too. Perfect. little foreshadowing there. totally.
00:01:13
Speaker
That's good. Awesome. Hey,
Podcast Engagement and Appreciation
00:01:15
Speaker
housekeeping stuff. If you don't mind leaving us a review on the podcast, on Apple Podcasts, we would greatly appreciate that. That does two things. That helps us know what is working.
00:01:23
Speaker
Yeah. And we love those comments. But then it also helps friends like you find the podcast. It helps with just whatever, search engine stuff. Yeah. So if you don't mind, we actually like to review or read reviews on the podcast, and we don't have one this week to read. We don't, Ted.
00:01:39
Speaker
So I'm going to just go upstairs and write in my journal about it and cry myself to sleep. In lieu of not having that, I do want to shout out a good friend of ours. I would like to thank my good friend, Chuck, who is a sound engineer.
00:01:53
Speaker
This podcast sounds good because of Chuck. That's right. he k I asked him. He was willing. yeah i said, hey, I've got the podcast gear that I've found on the internet they said to buy, and I don't know how to use it.
00:02:04
Speaker
And I said, would you be willing to come and make Erica and I sound way better than we are? That's right. And he said, sure. And he came and twiddled some knobs and pushed some things. And all of a sudden I was wearing the headphones and I'm like, wow, that sounds a heck of a lot better than what I was doing. Yeah, that's right. So anyway, to our friend Chuck, thank you so much for making the podcast sound crisp and clean.
Navigating the Digital Event Guide
00:02:25
Speaker
Today's topic, Erica already said, is the digital event guide. Actually, you didn't say that. I said that. said that. But you said we have a special guest. We do, yes. let's get the digital event guide out of the way. Okay. This is the the practical stuff you probably came for. And then we've got a very, I think, inspiring, motivational, encouraging yeah special guest interview that is absolutely worth hanging around for. it is so good.
00:02:50
Speaker
Erica, you ready to dive right into the digital event guide, what it is, all of that kind of stuff. Do you want to describe kind of like high level what it is or do you want me to do that and then we'll dive in? Either way, I'm cool either way.
00:03:00
Speaker
Whatever. So that you know, you get an email. And the digital event guide is specific to each race weekend. So there's four race weekends at Florida within the year. You will get and an email, I don't know,
00:03:11
Speaker
two, three weeks, four weeks, something like that ahead of the event. And it's got all the information you need for that weekend. And it's digital. Yeah. They used to give out a printed one and they don't do that anymore. Yes. Yes. Okay. So Erica, what can we find that's like weekend specific? Yes.
00:03:27
Speaker
In this digital event guide. Totally. So costume guidelines, things like, you know, how long can my Kate be if I'm wearing a cape or can I carry a lightsaber? Things like that. right They will have costume guidelines and they're for you.
00:03:41
Speaker
They will have course etiquette. Um, which side of the road do you walk on? Which side of the road do you run on things like that? It just kind of is a good reminder right for those of us that have done this a bunch. And then it's also just very helpful if you've never been on a run Disney course to understand what they expect you to do so in terms of just being kind to other that's right runners. Yep.
00:04:02
Speaker
um Also things like the expo hours and transportation info. ah What time can you go pick up your bib or your shirt and how do you get there? Things like that. you're gonna be tempted to go on Facebook and say, hey, what time is the expo open? Well, yes, you can do that.
00:04:17
Speaker
yes And I've been guilty of of going on and looking on Facebook. But if you want the actual information, and we don't usually share that kind of information on this podcast because it changes. right It's very specific to each weekend. yeah So if you wanna know,
00:04:30
Speaker
You're doing marathon weekend. You want to know what day, time does the expo open, close. The digital event guide is is your, like, that's it. Like, it's law.
00:04:41
Speaker
Run Disney law. You know, it's your run Disney Bible. You know I mean? Like, it has the correct information in it. That's right. So, yes. You can also find out about the virtual queue. So, if you want to be first in the building to buy all the fun weekend merch, um that will tell you how to get in that virtual queue to get in.
00:05:00
Speaker
I think we've talked about it before, but the virtual queue is not needed right for um most of the expo or anything else. it's It's for the run Disney merchandise. And they have a process for that. So if you want to know what time does a virtual queue open, how do I access it? and They've actually, even this like changes, right? So we've probably said on the podcast that, hey, at 8 a.m. m the virtual queue will open. Well, now that's actually different. Now it's eight and one o'clock, I think. And that might change again in the future. Right. So if you're looking for like very specific times or very specific how on your specific race weekend, yeah this digital event guide, like you need to save a book market in your phone or something because it has, i mean, that's not pretty like pretty, it's not glossed over. There's no commentary. Right.
00:05:47
Speaker
It's like, boom, answer. Yes. um The other thing that you will find in that digital expo are maps of really like the expo itself um at the ESPN wild wide world of sports. Say that five times first.
00:06:03
Speaker
Yeah, no. They try to do their best, you know, to make sure you don't miss any area that you need to go. ah But we've mentioned before, there's pretty much three main buildings that you're going to go into. And so they will have very specific maps of that.
00:06:16
Speaker
Yeah. They're actually so specific that their map is like of the property. Right. And says, this is what's in this building. This is what's in this building. And then the third one. Right. But then there's a blow up of what's inside of that building. Right. Right. So you know exactly where a t-shirt pickup is, or if you're interested in buying the Brooks shoes that they now do for the races, like it shows you where you're in that building. Right. So that there's like the guesswork is, is gone.
00:06:40
Speaker
I will admit you get lazy. Right. And you just either show up or go on Facebook or whatever. I mean, if you really want an answer, it really is here. Yeah.
Event Planning and Logistics
00:06:50
Speaker
And when we get to the good and the bad of this, i'm going I'm going to talk about it, but this isn't the prettiest website.
00:06:56
Speaker
It's not the easiest to use, but the information just is flat out. Boom. Right there. Yeah. Great. That's all the weekend stuff, right, Erica? Unless you can think of anything else, it's just kind of like generic to each race weekend.
00:07:08
Speaker
Nope. The other thing that you'll find is the specific race information um for each race. As we've said before, run Disney weekend will have multiple races. yeah We can three, four, depending on the weekend. Yeah, three or four. That's right.
00:07:22
Speaker
So let's say you're running the 5K and you want to know what time is the start group open? right What time can I arrive at my corral? Click on the 5k. It has a little chart and tells you exactly what time your start group opens based on your corral letter, exactly what time it closes. So, you know, with no like, uh, walking up to the cast member there or whatever and be like, Oh, I didn't know that it was going to close, you know, like yeah the digital event guide, yep it had that information. So start group times is an important one, in my opinion, um because it kind of fluctuates this past marathon weekend.
00:07:55
Speaker
It used to be everything started at five and then they bumped that back to four 30 for the full marathon, I think. So like all the times changed, yeah but that didn't impact the other races that weekend. So like, you just gotta be kind of,
00:08:08
Speaker
on top of it. Yeah. So you can find your start group times there. um If you are going to have, if you are going to spectate or someone else in your party is going to spectate a race, click on that race, 5k, 10k, half, whatever it is. And in that specific race, it will say where you are allowed to or can spectate from.
00:08:28
Speaker
Heads up, 5k is the start finish line. That's pretty much it. I think 10k is, I think usually the same. I know that if you're staying at a boardwalk resort, you can kind of spectate from there. I don't think it's an official spot. And then like for the half marathon, there'll be a few spots. Yeah. It'll tell you exactly what time or not what time, where, how to get there, things like that. Yeah.
00:08:48
Speaker
Yeah. Perfect. Do you any comments on any of that? I was kind of blazing through real fast. Yeah, that's good. Okay. Transportation times is an important one. So it'll tell you exactly what times the bus will start running from the resorts. here And here's something interesting.
00:09:02
Speaker
They run before the race. So like, uh, I think they start, well, I'm not going say Well, an example, 3 a.m. to 5.30, right? And then they stop running because everyone's supposed to be running. Right, right. So the buses aren't going. Right. And then the buses will start again from like, if it's the half marathon, they might not start again until 8.30 or 7.30 till that makes sense. Yeah. So there's kind of two, two whatever. But you're going to find that very specifically for each race. Yep.
00:09:34
Speaker
Great. Anything on that? Nope. Man, this is easy. I'm not getting it out. Road closure maps are in there too. So if you're driving there, which we, you and I have never done, so we can't speak to this, but if you're going to drive yourself to the race, ah you are going to want to know what roads you can't use. Yeah. Some of the roads will be closed.
00:09:52
Speaker
Uh, because we're running on them. Right. Yeah. And it will say, I think it says what time they close. I, I, uh, glaze over this map because, ah we always take the run Disney bus. Right.
00:10:03
Speaker
Is the run Disney bus better than driving? I don't know. I like being a passenger princess and just letting, letting them take me there. yeah It might be slower. and I don't know. I don't have somewhere to store my stuff in my car. Like I'm fine with it. yeah Just let them take me there.
00:10:18
Speaker
Totally. The other thing you're going to find in there is maps of the start and finish line areas.
Maximizing the Guide's Utility
00:10:23
Speaker
So when I say maps, not like a course or anything, like it just shows you where all the things are like right food trucks, gear check. This is where the stage is going to be. This is where the corrals are.
00:10:33
Speaker
This is where the buses drop you off. yeah It just shows you all that. So you can get a little bit familiar with, oh, I see. I got to go around this thing. And then that's going to be over there. Like it just gives you all the, all the details.
00:10:46
Speaker
And then of course, the course maps. yeah So for each individual race, it'll show you exactly where the course is going, where the start and finish line are. It's got the mile markers on there. It shows you where the hydration stops are. That's right. It shows you where the aid stations are.
00:11:02
Speaker
And it absolutely does not show not show you where the porta-potties are. does It doesn't. The vital information that they would, I mean, they would, everyone would be so happy if it showed that.
00:11:14
Speaker
Yes. Any theories why they don't tell us where the porta-potties are? No. Maybe they don't know. It's probably just easier for them to put them up last minute where, you know, feel like best. bet it's like a contracting contractor comes in and sets them up. Yeah.
00:11:28
Speaker
I will look like if I know we're running through the park, like I'll sort of plan, you know, based on what, you know, bathroom I know is wearing the park. Great. There's other random information in there, like um whoever the sponsor of the event is, they might have like a, you know, discount code if you buy our whatever, like Honey Stinger might be there the um official sponsor of the whatever. And, you know, use this code to get 20% off at the expo yeah or whatever. So that have some stuff, the charity, you know, that is being supported by the event. They'll have a whole section in there as well. In terms of like the helpful details that you're looking for,
00:12:04
Speaker
That's like the top 95% information you can find. I would just love to hit one last time that if you're looking for a solid answer, this is where you can find it. right But don't count on it for the next weekend because it might change slightly. yeah Costume guidelines is a great example of that. That is an ever evolving thing. Oh yeah.
00:12:24
Speaker
Where when somebody finds a loophole, they close it the next race, you know? So anyway, that's it. We like to talk about, you know, that that was kind of the what. We also like to talk about the how. So this is where we like generally talk just tips, yeah right? Like how we use something or do something.
00:12:41
Speaker
Any insights here, Erica? I would just say that it's going to be easier to use on your computer versus your phone. Yes. It's not super like phone friendly. You know, it's kind of like big tabs, you know, and you click on it, but something about like, it feels like a pop-up window and then you're trying to find a little X. And by the time you close it, I feel like you'd never end up back where you started. Right. Yeah.
00:13:00
Speaker
And it, I wish it was like for, some I'm not a tech person, but I just wish it was like somehow in order and it doesn't feel like it's very in order. I agree with that. um I like to, and I think I might've said this, I like to bookmark the guide or add it to my favorites or whatever in my internet browser, even if that is on my phone, just so I know where it is. yeah Cause I can't tell you how many times before I started doing this, like I'd be at the race weekend going, okay, how do I get to that again? yeah Was that an email?
00:13:26
Speaker
right And then I'm like searching. So I just, I just bookmark it. Yeah, totally. Now I have it easy access if I need it. Yeah. I also like to screenshot or maybe save a photo of the start group times. Also the course map, things like that.
00:13:39
Speaker
Just so it's like no internet required right on your phone when you're standing there at the... Or even like if I get in a panic on the race, like I've been known to pull up my phone before and check something on my phone. Yeah.
00:13:51
Speaker
Yeah. But you know where it is. Yeah, totally. And and you avoid all the clunky website by having a copy. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. I like to save the course map too, but I also like to study it for, I mean, two minutes. Yeah. I just like look at it and I'm like tracing it going, okay, so there's going to be a bathroom here. Right. And I like, okay, so if I take my snack here, this is when the next water station is going to be. what How can I time this better?
00:14:15
Speaker
And I know that sounds like really hokey dorky or whatever. No, that's important. Yeah. Or I'm like, okay, this is going to be a section. This long section right here is going to be boring as mess. Even if they have on course entertainment, there's to there's going long thing. Like how can I prepare myself mentally or the music that I'm listening to? Totally. Yeah. Whatever. Like I know when I go into the magic kingdom, that music in my ears getting paused. Magic kingdom, I'm totally good.
00:14:42
Speaker
Yeah. Right. So I like to study it, you know, and just kind of know what's coming up. So, yeah. So I like to study it. Just kind of be aware of of what's going on. Totally. all right. Let's talk about the good and the bad of the digital event guide. This is going to be easy.
00:14:54
Speaker
Perfect. The good, everything you need to know is right there. Totally. That's the bottom line. Yeah. I mean, it's black and white. Yeah. Like there's no question about it. Yeah. That's the thing. There's no question. Like sometimes you can look online and you might see like conflicting information. sure This is where, you know, this is the cold, hard truth from Disney.
00:15:12
Speaker
Right. And we do this podcast and we we love that y'all are listening, but we add our commentary and all that, what we think is good and blah, blah, blah, blah. This doesn't have commentary and whatever this is. yeah Start time, finish time, go here.
00:15:24
Speaker
That is it. That's really good in my opinion. And the bad, we already said it. It's a little clunky to use, even on the computer. It's just not the best like user experience.
00:15:35
Speaker
But the reality is you're really just going for information. so Yeah. Okay. That was the digital event guide. That's all. on Do you have any other things? No. Great. Next up, we're going to have a interview with a very special guest.
Taylor's Run Disney Journey
00:15:47
Speaker
Yes. And this special guest is special.
00:15:49
Speaker
We have our 19-year-old daughter. She is actually over on the West Coast right now, but she is Zooming in to talk with us. um She has done four Wren Disney races with us.
00:16:01
Speaker
She and I have been injured together, but she has a perspective that neither one of us have really experienced yet. And so it's going to be neat for her to share that with us today. She digs deep when she needs to. And I think you're going to see that when we interview her today.
00:16:19
Speaker
Taylor, welcome to the podcast. Thanks. Erica, how does this feel to have Taylor on? It's good to see her. i know. Yeah. We talk to her a lot, right? But it's just nice to have family time over Zoom.
00:16:33
Speaker
Yep. Hey, Taylor, we want to ask you some run Disney questions or whatever, but do you want to give us like the lowdown? like Who are you? like I said you're 19. Do you want to give any lowdown on who you are, what you like to do, and any background you want to share before we go run Disney, or would you rather just dive right in? So um like they said, I'm 19th.
00:16:51
Speaker
I'm a follower of Jesus Christ, and I'm from and live in Georgia, and I'm going into my freshman year of college. Cool. Well, we're excited for the journey that you're on right now out in the west ah west side of the country.
00:17:05
Speaker
But we're we as much as we'd love to talk about that, we're here to talk Run Disney. So can you give us your, I know your Run Disney history, but can you give us some Run Disney history? Like when was your first race? How many have you done? you know Maybe what was your favorite one? like Any history you want to give us, we'll we'll take it.
00:17:20
Speaker
Mom had done Ren Disney back in 2016 or whenever, but then we hadn't done it again. And like my sophomore, freshman year high school, I was like, guys, we should do the Princess Half half Marathon.
00:17:33
Speaker
And mom was like, wait, I've done that. And so we signed up for it and we did that. And then the next year and wanted to do it again. So we signed up again and then we did Springtime Surprise weekend and then we signed up for Princess again.
00:17:48
Speaker
So that's three princesses you have on your on your roster? yeah That's three princesses, one springtime surprise, and a bunch of local 5 and 10 Ks. That's awesome. Awesome. So Taylor, tell everybody, why do you love Run Disney Races?
00:18:02
Speaker
Well, I love Disney and being able to challenge myself and move my body on the happiest place on earth is just such a blessing and such a fun thing to do. You've done other races. You said other local races.
00:18:15
Speaker
what What separates the Run Disney races and the vibe and the experience from you know anything else? Run Disney has such a strong community of people who are just there to push each other and to hold each other accountable and to have fun. People are asking you about your stories. They're running. They're complimenting your costume.
00:18:33
Speaker
Oh my gosh, we're twinning costumes. It's just such a great community and it makes it so much more than just running. It makes it just like such a fun, magical experience. Totally. Plus, let's not glaze over the fact that you can get a dole whip later in the day. Yeah.
00:18:46
Speaker
yeah Yeah. I get a trip at Disney World. Do you have a favorite on course moments? Or I mean, it could be multiple, but do you have any moments that you've had on course where you're like, yeah, that was it?
00:18:58
Speaker
I can't really pick between two, so I'm gonna share two, that's okay. sure So my first one is my first run Disney. we I did the Princess half marathon and I'd never run like really beforehand. So just finishing or that, like seeing, guess running through Main Street, cause I like heard we were gonna do it, but I didn't know what to expect. So I'm running and i'm like, oh my gosh, this is awesome.
00:19:22
Speaker
I'm like trying to video myself and enjoy it. But then like right after that, um is just this most recent year after my knee surgery, finishing the half marathon was such a good emotional moment just because I didn't think I was going to be able to do it. So being able to finish and cross the line then see all. And I was like, hey, guys, I did it.
00:19:44
Speaker
That's such a good moment. That is good. i ah You said knee surgery, so we need to talk about that because I think that's an important piece of your story. So we're going to get to that. But I do want to say I don't appreciate that I'm not really involved in either of your favorite on-course moments. And so I'm just going to go ahead and cry myself to sleep tonight. i didn't make that.
00:20:04
Speaker
I mentioned you at the end. Oh, I got a little like, oh, and I saw you. right I got a little. Yes. I got one of those. You know, one of my favorite on-course moments with you, we did the 10K this past year. And um i I had my GoPro and I would record occasionally and you were usually pretty ready for it. And I had one time where you weren't ready for it.
00:20:22
Speaker
And like, you were complaining about like, man, I really have to go, I have to pee or something like that. But you didn't know I was recording. And then you saw the camera and you're like, oh, hey. And you were like, so like camera ready all of a sudden when you were literally in the moment like, have to pee so bad. Yeah.
00:20:42
Speaker
Yeah, that's one of mine. Okay. So you mentioned your knee surgery. That's an important part of your like story arc. Give me, give me the background on that. I was first an athlete before on Disney and have had like some knee struggles and issues and pains.
00:20:59
Speaker
And after the first princess weekend we did, i was feeling lots of knee pain, but continued to do sports, run and train for the following year. um And in that training season, tore my meniscus.
00:21:13
Speaker
And about two or three weeks before, run Disney, we're at the doctor and they're like, Hey, we're going to need you do surgery. And I was like, there's no way.
00:21:24
Speaker
And like, I remember dad, you asking, you're like, well, should she try to run this? Should she walk? If I remember right, we went to the doctor for him to tell us that you could run the race. That's what we were looking for. Right.
00:21:35
Speaker
And that was not the news we got. Yeah, he was like, no, like I wouldn't even walk it. like right But the person I am, I was like, I'm doing some of this.
00:21:46
Speaker
And so we went and I started races so I could get my medal and just say I got on that course. But the balloon ladies caught me within a few minutes and was really sad because with my luck, I also got the last corral.
00:22:00
Speaker
But that's okay. um I was still there. was definitely hard moment. After that, um I had surgery and i did PT. PT took a little longer than we thought. And as it was coming for this most recent Disney season, I wasn't really feeling prepared.
00:22:18
Speaker
I didn't really have time to train because like a month before they were like, okay, you're good to run now. And was like, yeah oh, I got a month to train for a 10K and a half marathon. And we registered like nine months before that because we assumed that the PT was going to take and that it wouldn't be an issue, right? Mm-hmm.
00:22:35
Speaker
Yeah, we all assumed it was going to be a lot quicker than it was. But I was like, hey, I'm signed up for this. So I did a few runs. like I did a bunch of three miles, a bunch of five miles, and like a nine mile. And I was like, well, let's say a prayer and go to Disney.
00:22:49
Speaker
Yeah. yep yeah You obviously, you and have talked about this a lot and we've been through the emotional rollercoaster of it. Do you mind talking a little bit about that experience of, I mean, you you went into the the race knowing you weren't gonna be able to finish because doctor's orders, right? But it still doesn't take away from how hard that probably was to have the balloon ladies pass you, which is that we've said before, they're just a visual marker. They're not mean, any of that, but the sweepers, right?
00:23:17
Speaker
They came by and let you know that you had to get off the course, right? Is there anything you're willing to share about that experience for somebody who is either scared of that moment, um they're in a similar situation to you, or they already know they can't run, but they they want to at least do something? What what what would you say?
00:23:33
Speaker
So I definitely think once I saw the balloon ladies, like... was kind defeating seeing them because for a little while I was like, maybe I can walk farther. like Maybe I can get to mile one. Maybe I can get to mile two.
00:23:45
Speaker
um But then once I saw them, then I was like, OK, I'm going to keep going. But this is pretty much over. And then when the sweepers came by, they're like, hey, you need to get on the bus. And like, I see the bus pull up next to me. I was like, well, this is really sad. It was definitely like emotional, and just feeling like disappointed, I guess.
00:24:06
Speaker
But getting on the bus is definitely hard because the bus drives by, like, I guess the bus drives through the course to pick up other people. So I'm sitting on this bus for like 30 minutes, continually picking up more people.
00:24:22
Speaker
Which like, I felt really sad for them that they also were getting on the bus. But at the same time, i was like, I just want to get off this bus. Like, I want to get off. I want to go to the hotel. Like, watching all the runners go by on the road and I'm sitting on this bus with like an ice pack on my knee.
00:24:39
Speaker
was really hard. And it was definitely an emotional day, but we made it through. Yeah, I think the best part of your story is that that's not the end. Right.
00:24:49
Speaker
I think that's yeah the big thing is that you did, you've done two run Disney races since then. And you just did the most recent one. You decided to attack the Fairytale Challenge, two races in a row.
00:25:01
Speaker
You, the 18-year-old at the time, paid for it. You know what mean? Like you said, I want to do this bad enough. Like I'm putting my money behind it. Right. And you you did it. Like- It was still hard because like you said, the PT, you know, you were you were still playing catch up, right? You were under trained, but man, you crossed that finish line.
00:25:19
Speaker
And i was I was very proud of you in that moment for not not quitting. Yeah. I think we were both, she and I were both sobbing when she crossed the finish line. Oh, yeah. It was a very proud moment. oh yeah yeah
00:25:36
Speaker
You made it! Oh my gosh. let me see that Hard earned. Hard earned.
00:25:47
Speaker
I'm so proud. Is there anything else you want to share about that before I ask you happier questions? During the half, I was wiped, guess, from like a week in the parks and the 10K the day before.
00:25:59
Speaker
Like there was one point where like I couldn't even like walk. I was struggling. And like I saw the balloon ladies and I was like, no, not again. And so I'm going.
00:26:10
Speaker
You're talking about this is the half. this is your most recent half that you did by yourself. Yeah, that's what you're talking about. This is the one we just completed. okay And I'm jogging and I like people are walking faster than I'm jogging.
00:26:20
Speaker
But it felt so good and I felt so accomplished finishing it yeah because I felt like I proved myself wrong and others wrong because I got to finish it, which I didn't think I would have done.
00:26:32
Speaker
Right. And I do want to clarify, this is in the context of being post-surgery. like Taylor yeah is an athlete. Totally. anyway She's a swimmer. She's played basketball. like This has literally been a journey of PT and all of that stuff.
00:26:46
Speaker
Thanks for being willing to share your your your journey that. Yeah, totally. So Taylor, what advice do you have for anyone that's maybe in a similar situation? Or maybe they're running slower than they want to be, right? And they're terrified or they just can't seem to get fast enough, right? And they just they're just worried. What advice do you have? I think that's the question.
00:27:04
Speaker
Mm-hmm. My big thing, which I still struggle with, is just like keep going. um like Keep training. like Walking's better than stopping. Jogging's better than walking.
00:27:16
Speaker
um Just like the more miles and more um experience you have like on your feet, that's going to make it so much easier. Making sure you have people to talk to or somebody who can motivate you and inspire you or hold you accountable while just going.
00:27:34
Speaker
I think you just need to put your foot on the gas and do it. Awesome. Can we talk about your parents' two different styles of motivating and parenting? You willing to insight us a little bit onto the way that we do it? Because we're very different. Your mom and Erica and i are very different in the way that we you know probably encourage. One, why is my way the right way?
00:27:58
Speaker
And second, I'm just kidding. but Which, which way do you prefer? I mean, I know I'm putting you on the spot, but mom's very gentle, probably has like a very understanding, you know, like, oh, I understand the hard thing you're going through. Right. And I probably have a look, you need to dig deep and get this done kind of vibe. I'm guessing that's how we come across. Is that right?
00:28:15
Speaker
Yeah. Okay. Which way do you prefer? I don't know. think sometimes need both. Sometimes like I just need the harshness of just like, come on, get up, go run.
00:28:26
Speaker
Don't stop. Do it. Like sometimes I need your harshness where you're like right there with me and you're like, we're not stopping. Like if you stop, you're being left here all alone. I'm going to keep going. yeah And so sometimes I need that. Definitely like in those like,
00:28:43
Speaker
long runs and races, but then also like mom's gentleness where she's like, Oh, well, let's see how much you can get done. Just like go till you can. Or she was like, I believe in you. And dad's just like, do it.
00:28:56
Speaker
ah I think if I'm struggling or I have a long run, I go and I talk to both. Oh, really? I i would, I would go to mom. I usually go to dad first and I'm like, dad, I have a long run. He's like,
00:29:09
Speaker
I'll get your shoes on and go now. It's just going to get colder. And when you don't get that, when you don't like that answer, then you go to mom. And I go to mom. like, well, that told me to go now. not really ready. And she's like, well, I do think you should go now. But, and then she's all like positive about it. That's funny. So then I end up getting to go now. So I have to go now. Yeah, that's funny.
00:29:31
Speaker
Cool. um That's awesome. I have a very important question that your mom answered incorrectly. Please. ah few episodes ago. I'm sure i'm super curious
Run Disney Experiences and Reflections
00:29:40
Speaker
to see how she answers this. So the yeah there is a correct answer. Okay. And I'm curious which one you are.
00:29:46
Speaker
Would you rather have a finisher medal from a half marathon or run down Main Street in that race? You can only have one. Which one do you choose? Run down Main Street.
00:29:58
Speaker
Yes. There's a reason why they call us copy and paste. Dad, I thought I was taking, I thought you were going on my side with the right answer. No, no, I would take them out. have the right answer, Taylor. Dad, you're such an experienced person. You're like, you really want a t-shirt from this place when you can just be here. You need a photo when you can just experience it.
00:30:22
Speaker
Yes. The experience of running down Main Street. That is magical. Oh, okay. Here's my thing. yeah Here's my thing. Okay. you Ready. You can sign up for $20 for a race and atlanta anyway and you can complete 13.1 miles. Yes.
00:30:39
Speaker
Yes, we're paying the hundreds of dollars for the medal, but also the experience to run down Main Street. You can buy a park ticket and just run down, but it's not the same. You don't have those people down there cheering for you on the side.
00:30:51
Speaker
You're not dressed up. You don't have that community like i was talking about earlier. You're not like super emotional because you're doing something hard. Like the experience. is not one you can just go get.
00:31:03
Speaker
Like you can just go run 13 miles. She's a better salesperson than you are, Erica. You were like, because it's great. Like that was your, she she laid out a really good ah argument. I agree that when you pay hundreds of dollars for a run Disney race, you're paying for the experience to run it. dis Yes, for sure. You're not paying for the metal. Yeah. um But I sure like my wall.
00:31:23
Speaker
I do like my medals, but I can't count the amount of times they've ever come out of off the wall or out of my room. Yeah. No one else ever sees them. Right. yeah Yeah. Yeah. They see like the one picture where you like, finish her. And that's it.
00:31:35
Speaker
That's right. Yeah. Hashtag metal Monday. That's right. Metal Monday. um Okay. So Taylor, do you have any tips or advice for other teenagers who want to do Run Disney? I think you should just do it. I started it as just like a cross train for fun.
00:31:50
Speaker
And like along with sports, I think it's a fun way to stay like... in what's the word in shape um during sports for me I was in swim and I already like was told that I should run outside of swim to like for conditioning and so i was like oh well let's make this fun and I think it is so fun I think everybody should do it at least once because and it's a it's an experience you don't get anywhere else.
00:32:19
Speaker
It keeps you healthy in and out of season because once you start, you really don't stop. Oh yeah. Yeah. We've said that before. Um, okay. So I, I was sitting here thinking Taylor, this is my last comment. I realized where you're, um, you're like, well, when you did the half and you're like, I just gotta, you know, gotta do it. And you're, know, you're, you can hear your dad and your voice saying, you know, like you better get up and go. Right. Like I remember where this came from. Do you remember where where this mentality came from? Where I like solidified it in her spirit.
00:32:46
Speaker
What? Los Angeles International Airport when she was, what, four or five years old? remember she wanted to bring that princess rolling suitcase on the trip. Yeah. And I said, you bring it, you carry it you have to carry it. That was it. You have to roll it.
00:32:59
Speaker
On the way home front through LAX, like the world's largest airport or whatever, she didn't want to carry it anymore. And I said, well, fine, leave it or stay with it. I don't care. And she tried to call my bluff. Do you remember this Taylor at all? Or do you just know the story? She tried to call my bluff and she crossed her arms and stood there and was like, and I just walked away.
00:33:21
Speaker
Probably should have gone to you know, a airport jail for leaving my five-year-old standing there. But eventually she's like, fine. She grabbed that handle and stomped her way all the way through the airport. That's probably where that, uh, that, that grit comes from. I probably, yeah traumatized you as a young child. Yeah.
00:33:38
Speaker
ah ye That like reminds me of when we did the most recent 10K together. And like you we both were listening to the same music and we're like kind of close to the finish line, but we can't see it yet.
00:33:50
Speaker
like It's not that close. And he's like, we're full sprinting to the end. and I was like, We can't even see it yet. I hate it when he does that. I hate it when he does that. And he's like, okay, fine. And I'm like trying and I'm like, I have to walk. I have to walk. And he just keeps running. He's like, okay, I'll see you past the finish line.
00:34:07
Speaker
And he's like, as he's running away, he's like, I guess we won't finish together. And I'm like, okay. All right. Keep going and I can make it back with him. Hey, we shaved 10 seconds off that 10K.
00:34:19
Speaker
While we have her here. Oh, yeah. Just for verification. Oh, boy. So last week or two weeks ago, I don't know when, we did an episode about being in the corral and dad's like, you always say, stay right here. Don't move. And you give me such a hard time. And I'm like, it's because you're notorious for leaving us.
00:34:34
Speaker
You agree, correct? Yeah. Yes. that You just walk away. Yes, that is literally what she just said. Yes. We'll be after the race. He can meet me by the Auntie Anne's truck.
00:34:47
Speaker
And then I'll be standing there and I'm like on my phone. I'm like, I'm at the truck. Where are you? Dad, I'm at the truck. Dad, I'm at the truck. Dad. And he comes back with like, who knows what, something. He's like, oh, sorry.
00:34:59
Speaker
Got distracted. Saw cool photo op or something. And I'm like... Well, you told me to meet you here. Hey, I'm there for the experience, you know? Actually, I'm polishing my metal, you know? Yeah, yeah kind of apparently you're only there for the metal. Just, you know, cleaning that off, getting ready. Okay, anything anything else, Taylor, at all? Any stories you want to share?
00:35:17
Speaker
um Anything at all before we let you go? It's been like the joy of the podcast to have you on on this episode. Anything else you want to share? I don't really think of anything funny with mom.
00:35:28
Speaker
No offense, mom. It's okay. But a memory is every race weekend, dad's like somewhere else. I don't know, on a work trip or something.
00:35:39
Speaker
and so mom and I have done the expo together every weekend, yeah which has been fun. Addy did it with us the most recent year. And we usually go back with dad so we can like get family photos and stuff. But it's been really fun because every year we get pretzel bites Yeah, my ah Walt Disney World like notifications of what how much money is being spent alerts me while I'm on my work thing. And you guys are at the expo and I see Wetzel pretzel. And I'm like, oh, that sounds good. You know, expo ah merchandise. I'm like, okay, here they go. Mom's cider, the cider sheds. Oh, yeah.
00:36:13
Speaker
Okay, do you have anything else for Taylor? No. Taylor, it was a joy, genuinely a joy to have you on the podcast. Even more of a joy to have you as our daughter. We've loved running with you and all the adventures that we've had. so Yeah, I'm super proud of you.
00:36:26
Speaker
Oh, yeah. Thanks. Unless you have anything, Erica, I think that's it. Yep. Okay, Taylor, thanks for being on the podcast. We love you. course. Love you. All right. Bye. Bye.
00:36:38
Speaker
Awesome. That was so special to have the opportunity to chat with Taylor. Hopefully you found some encouragement in there somewhere, whether you're her age and young and dreaming of your first run Disney, or maybe things are a little bit tough right now, or you're sitting there post-surgery, you know, trying to figure out, am I ever going to run again? yeah know, all of that stuff.
00:36:55
Speaker
Or maybe like having run Disney as a family of it. Maybe people have not thought of that before. A hundred percent. We have, we have done that. We've now run with, um, so we've got three kids, two of the, of the kids, of our kids have run with us now at run Disney. yeah And so, yeah, it can be a family thing. Yeah.
00:37:11
Speaker
if, if you want. So great. We hope you enjoyed that. Erica, let's move on to maybe just some run Disney news items and then we'll talk personal training, two things that I can think of that have kind of come about in the run Disney world.
00:37:23
Speaker
is we've seen marathon medals. Yes. Now they, you know, they do that, I don't know, a few months beforehand, you know, they show you here's the bling you're going to earn. I think it's probably time so that you're like when the marathon training gets hard, you're like, oh, but I do get this medal if I keep going. yeah So, you know, they showed all the medals, but we're not running all the races. So I don't know that I have a bunch of commentary because I didn't really look at the, all the medals all that deeply. Um, I but hyper focused on the marathon because that's the one we're doing. yeah Do you have any thoughts about any of the medals or the marathon medal?
00:37:56
Speaker
Yeah. I was kind of sad that mini doesn't look super mini. Like this is the marathon medal. yeah Yeah. I was at work when it came through and I like try to zoom way in to figure out which one was Minnie and which one was Mickey. I mean, she kind of looks like a boy a little bit. okay It's kind of sad. I mean, she's wearing a, um, a helmet.
00:38:17
Speaker
Yeah. Like, cause she's fighting a dragon. Right. Which I think the dragon is super cool. I don't know your opinion I think the dragon's super cool, but to your point, because of the helmet. You can't really see the two distinguishing things that make her... Her bow, yeah. Right, her bow or her eyelashes.
00:38:33
Speaker
Right. Right, like that's... I think she's wearing like blue shorts. She's wearing shorts, not a skirt. Not a skirt, yeah, i don't know. And her shoes, like obviously anytime it's run Disney, she wears sneakers, not her heels. Yeah. So like all the things that would make her look...
00:38:47
Speaker
Like many. Yeah. She's not, she doesn't, you can't, yeah you know, it's not there. Right. So I, I was a little sad. Yeah. I get you. Um, do you like the dragon or are you like, nah, AJ, that's fine.
00:38:59
Speaker
but what It's fine to you. It's fine. Yeah. I like it. Okay, cool. what do you think about the controversy around Daisy Duck that's been on the internet? Oh, you mean how it's got like the mileage stamped on her booty?
00:39:10
Speaker
Yeah. She's like been branded with the, uh, with the, with the date. Right. Yeah. If you don't know what we're talking about, you just have to go online and find the run Disney medals for this year. Uh, they did. They, I think that was a mistake.
00:39:22
Speaker
I mean, we're not earning that medal, but like there's a lot of places you could the year, and I don't know if that was the spot to put it. I think the medal set looks really good. I've heard other people say this too, that um it is a very cohesive set. yeah I think last year they did a good job of that too when it was that – vintage sports baseball vibe you know i feel like that was a very cohesive set yeah other weekends i've seen where yeah i get kind of what they were going for but you can't really tell the theme right this one's super clear yeah the storybook vibe goes through all of it yeah um so i'm excited to earn this one yeah any other thoughts on that before we move on to the second news thing that kind of nope
New Releases and Future Content
00:40:01
Speaker
Um, okay. So the second one is they do these Brooks shoes. We've owned the first pair yeah that they came out with, which was, you got the Minnie mouse ones. I got the Mickey ones. They had like a weekend specific one for springtime surprise. And they had Halloween ones, you know, which we didn't go do that race. So, and they said, Disneyland on them. And as cool as they were, i felt like I can't get shoes for a race that I didn't do.
00:40:22
Speaker
Right. You know, that'd be like buying a medal for a race. I didn't run. i'm I'm not going to do that. so they came out with a new shoe it's not weekend specific no it's uh lilo and stitch well i say lilo and stitch there's no it's just stitch yeah it's stitch so any thoughts on the shoe i like the colors yeah yeah okay that's what you like about it yeah stitch is not high on your list don't think of favorite characters or where were you at really okay no We've got a kiddo in our house that loves Stitch. Yeah, he does.
00:40:53
Speaker
um But I'm also having a hard time bringing myself to spend $175 on a pair of shoes for my teenager who's going to destroy them in about two weeks. That's right. Just from being active and outside.
00:41:05
Speaker
Yeah. So the yeah I think you're right. They they look cool. I'm interested to see if they're going to do this like... character thing for a while or what? Cause I do like my Mickey ones. Right. They're not, they don't, I mean, they say run Disney, but they don't have a year. They don't have a weekend, whatever. So I'm curious if they're going to go through a bunch of characters. Yeah.
00:41:21
Speaker
That might be fun. Either way. I liked it. You know, we get more Disney stuff. Yeah. If they came out with a new shoe, new shoe, not new shoe, new shoe for marathon weekend, it could be any character. doesn't have to be tied to marathon, but you're there, right? So you could buy it.
00:41:36
Speaker
Yeah. What would be your like, oh yeah, if it was that, I'd buy it. Well, it doesn't, it wouldn't go with the theme of marathon. That's what i'm saying. The stitch doesn't go with wine and dine. Yeah. Like at all. It has nothing to do with wine and dine.
00:41:47
Speaker
There's no stitch involved in that. Yeah. I just, I really like like classic Minnie and Mickey. So if it was pink, And white polka dots or something. For sure. i would want those.
00:41:58
Speaker
Would you take some Powerline Maxes? Oh my gosh. Yeah. Black and yellow. Yeah, for sure. For sure. I'd take some of those. Yeah. I'd take- any like Really any princess. like Oh, really? I really would love princess. Little Mermaid? Shoes.
00:42:11
Speaker
Yeah. They used to, like way back in the day, they had some really cool, I think it was New Balance back then, um Little Mermaid ones that you could get. And I really like those. so I think I like that idea because it goes with like the color schemes go with a lot of our costumes.
00:42:25
Speaker
True. Yeah. Yeah. They need to come out with, uh, some Kronk and Yzma shoes. Yeah. I would, I'd be down with that. Emperor's new groove. Right. Yeah. Um, great. That's it on run Disney news stuff. do you want to talk about anything with your training? I know you've been dealing with a lot.
00:42:40
Speaker
Um, we had races last weekend. Anything you want to talk about, about your personal training? Yes. Just exciting that I am back at running. Good. So it's feels, um,
00:42:52
Speaker
Not completely like starting over a little bit like starting over, but there's still plenty of time for marathon come. So I'm not worried about it. It'll be fine. um Is the feeling of starting over in your heart and lungs and all that?
00:43:05
Speaker
Is it in your head? Is it your legs? Like what feels like starting over or is it yes, all of the above? My legs haven't really hurt that much because I've been doing all the like strength training even when I couldn't run.
00:43:18
Speaker
Um, so those feel, those feel fine. Um, it's mostly just like, honestly, it's just the mental part of it. You know, like I'm getting kind of tired here. Maybe I want to walk. No, you're not walking. You're running like, yeah you know, um, okay. Well, if you need me to come out on a run with you, I could do like I do with Taylor and say, Hey, let's go. Yeah.
00:43:39
Speaker
Don't give me excuses. Give me results. That's right. No, I'm good. Thank you. Okay, good. I'm glad that everything's going good. Yeah. um Great. Yeah, we're counting down. i mean, I think it's 12 weeks or something, a marathon. So we... It's crazy. It's going to be here before we know it. Yep. Mileage is getting high.
00:43:54
Speaker
Yeah. Do you have any training updates? I do not. Okay. You never do. I love running. I'll run as long as you want me to. That's AJ. Yeah.
00:44:05
Speaker
yeah You almost broke into song just then. That would have been nice. Nope. I don't do karaoke. I know you don't. um What I'm not sure timing-wise, if I want to leave this or whatever in the podcast is, I may want to do a bonus episode. Okay. um Meaning it's not one of our main topics, but about some of the races that we have done. Oh, fun.
Closing Remarks and Listener Interaction
00:44:26
Speaker
um So I... like The order of of recording is that we haven't run the race yet, but we will by the time this podcast comes out. I'm giving you all a behind the scenes in how this works, but we might do a bonus episode solely, you know, short episode yeah committed to that race experience. So all of that to say, this is like future AJ talking to past AJ about what I might possibly have done. a little back to the future action. Yeah. I'm confused about what timeline I'm on at the moment.
00:44:57
Speaker
So heads up, there either is some cool bonus episodes about the races we ran or ah decided not to. And training's going fine.
00:45:10
Speaker
I'm not sure yet. Perfect. Is that confusing enough? That was very confusing. Great. That's it for this podcast. Perfect. This episode. If you don't mind, leave us a review. we have We're out of reviews. We have none none to share.
00:45:21
Speaker
um Other housekeeping things, if you want some podcast stickers, happy to send you some. Just let me know where to send it. yeah If you're willing to share your mailing address, I will mail them. I mail them all the time. People send me their address.
00:45:32
Speaker
And no obligation, I send it. Just email us at hello at ajanderica.com. You want to hear a fun story about stickers? Yeah. So I have our, um, I have our podcast sticker on my water bottle. Yes. And yesterday i was at the eye doctor. Yes.
00:45:48
Speaker
And, ah I noticed when I first went to check in that the girl was like looking at my water bottle and, but she didn't say anything. And so I went, I had my exam and then I came back and when I was checking out, she goes, you run Disney?
00:45:59
Speaker
And I said, yeah. And I said, my husband, I actually like, we're total learned to have a podcast about it and like, you know, all the things. And, um, So she's like, that's so cool. Me and like another doctor, we were talking about signing up for run Disney race. And um anyway, so she talked to me a little bit more about it. And then the end she said, so did you say that you have podcast about run Disney?
00:46:20
Speaker
And I said, yeah, this is it actually. And I showed her like I had the sticker on my water bottle. She's like, hang on. So she like pulls up her phone and the next thing I know, the girls at the desk are now subscribed to our podcast. Oh, perfect. Yes. We have like three new subscribers because you went to the eye doctor. Yeah, maybe. Yeah, a couple. So, uh, so anyway, that was fun. So yeah, get your sticker and, and display it proudly.
00:46:42
Speaker
That's right. Yep. We're happy to send you hint to send you some stickers yeah if you want them. Thanks so much for joining us, friends. We are so excited that you're on this journey with us. If you've got long training runs this weekend, hopefully those go well. Listen to the podcast while you run.
00:46:56
Speaker
And if you've got any feedback or anything, we'd love to hear it. Boring topics you want us to cover, we will most likely cover unless it's way off topic. And even then, sometimes we do go way off topic. So it doesn't matter.
00:47:07
Speaker
Awesome. Thanks so much for listening, friends. We'll catch you next time for one more run.
00:47:17
Speaker
Thanks for joining us for this episode of One More Run, the podcast. If you like what we're up to, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram. You can find links to all of that at AJandErica.com.